Alcohol consumption and physical functioning among middle-aged and older adults in Central and Eastern Europe: Results from the HAPIEE study

Abstract

This study found an inverse association between alcohol consumption and physical limitations. The high odds of physical limitations in non-drinkers can be largely explained by poor health of former drinkers.

The apparently protective effect of heavier drinking was partly due to less healthy former heavy drinkers who moved to lower drinking categories.

Keywords

• ageing
• alcohol consumption
• Central and Eastern Europe
• older people
• physical functioning